who is at fault?

The NP is in the wrong. Regardless of whether your friend was a drug seeker( which I am not saying she is) it is not up to the NP to decide to withhold pain medication. Your friend should say something. She should have made it known when she saw the NP that she wants another practitioner, and that they have a past that will affect her treatment.

I think she should get another provider (or a loved one should help her with this since she's recuperating). All she needs to say is that she has a history with this provider and would prefer someone else.

I know people like to say this stuff never happens, but I am one to say no, this kind of nonprofessional behavior is very common these days. If I were the patient, I'd just make an appointment with another provider and go get her records herself if possible. The first point of business with the new provider is calmly stating why you are there to see them. Be frank about the love triangle - "she thinks I tried to steal her boyfriend a few years back, and she even got physical about it. I feel she might not have let go of the past and it's affecting my care" nuff said. Embarrass the hell out of her, and have people talking? Yes honey, there are consequences...

If it persists, you might get some legal advice.

Fire her, sounds like the only thing to do and explain this to the new practioner.

I'd also suggest complaining to her core group of employers.

I assume she is inpatient? If so she can ask for another provider. If she is outpatient she can easily leave that provider. She should not tolerate this a minute longer!

that NP should be reported...its a disgrace to Nursing profession

unquestionably, there's always 3 sides to a story however, in this case i would have requested another medical staff to look after me. in addition, the np in question could face legal charges as well if your friend can proof that she has been suffering on account of her care. wishing your friend the best and a speedy recovery...aloha~

Ask for another provider. Simple, end of problem. No need to say the NP is being unprofessional as doubt we have the entire story. Some times its also best to just stay out of situations - common sense dictates the answer in this situation.

I was just asking peoples opinions and trying to have a discussion on this, as it really bothered me that someone would abuse their power in such a way. I wasn't waiting patiently for responses to advise her on what to do. Unfortunately in my area specialists are limited and changing providers can't be done so easily, however she is in the process of trying to do so. Thanks everyone for your opinions so far!